The July 4th holiday weekend is upon us, with families and friends expected to travel in and through our state for outings, picnics and other summer festivities. Oftentimes, these social activities include an increase in alcohol consumption. One DRUNK DRIVER on the road can turn a festive, enjoyable summer event into a tragedy.

The Connecticut State Police will be on patrol for the July 4th 2013 Holiday weekend with an increased number of Troopers patrolling the highways and roads of our state. Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) will be in effect starting July 3rd and running through midnight July 7th.

A new tool has been added to the toolbox of State Troopers across the state:speed measuring units (laser) that represent the latest in speed technology. Troopers on patrol will utilize these new units to effectively enforce speed on highways and secondary roads. Troopers will be strategically placed with a concentrated effort to reduce speeds on the highways and roadways during the holiday period. The devices were purchased with grant funds.

In addition, Connecticut State Troopers will operate sobriety checkpoints in numerous locations in Connecticut. Sites for enforcement operations will be chosen where Troopers experience a high number of alcohol-involved crashes and incidents.

As always, the Connecticut State Police is doing everything possible to prevent fatal crashes on Connecticut’s roads and highways. Troopers will utilize all specialized State Police equipment including aircraft, laser, and both marked and unmarked State Police Patrol cars to enhance highway safety and to remove all drunk drivers from Connecticut’s roads.

Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection Commissioner Reuben F. Bradfordurges Connecticut drivers: “Wear your seatbelt, it can save your life and please remember that courtesy on the highway can be contagious.Set the example by obeying all traffic laws, including the speed limit.”

During July 4th 2012, Connecticut State Police issued the following number of summons: 1,059 for speeding; 45 DUI; and 152 seatbelt arrests. State Police investigated 323 motor vehicle crashes, 41 with injury, but no fatal crashes. Troopers also issued 2,096 tickets for other hazardous moving violations.

Colonel Danny R. Stebbins, Commander of the Connecticut State Police, said “Connecticut drivers can help State Troopers keep our highways safe by setting an example. Drive the speed limit, don’t drink alcohol and drive, and immediately report a suspected drunk drivers to police by calling 911, as this is a true emergency.”